As a project manager for construction out here in California, today I sent a concerning email to headquarters in Virginia questioning if they understand the liability of continuing construction projects amidst a global pandemic, National Emergency, restrictions on gatherings, expected rise in cases, etc.
Our (sub)contractors keep asking whether I plan to halt operations which HQs don’t give me the power to do (or I would). And my contractors won’t unilaterally decide for themselves because 1) their management only cares about getting paid and 2) they believe that standing down hurts their reputation for future bidding, and 3) my employer is on the hook when it comes to liability because we are the ones facilitating the environment where illness might spread.
My legal department soon responded with an email that began by barring me from discussing the details of their email.
And just a few hours ago the Governor of California announced a statewide closure of all Bars.